Looking for a class

[clive1]

Hi all,

I'm currently living abroad but coming back to the uk soon and looking for a class to race.

I used to sail solos but they have become too expensive for my circumstances

First question is at 75-80 kg am I too heavy for a moth?

Clive

[mulgabill]

Pretty much exactly my weight, and I'm probably towards the lower end of the fleet weight-wise.

You would have no problems and might like a bit more in a blow.

There are however others who will be able to give you more considered, and experienced, advice.

Let us know where you will be located, test sails can usually be arranged.

TONY

[clive1]

Thanks for that Tony, i'd hoped i wasnt too heavy i think a test sail would be a great idea i've heard moth's are a bit twitchy and particular to sail but im up for a challenge

I'm not even sure where i'll be living yet but north london is favourite at the moment.

[New Boy]

Hi Clive
There are lots of great people in the Moth fleet who will help you out if you are thinking of joining us. My weight has changed lots of time from 13.5 stone to 16 stone and I would say the British moth handles it all well and some of our National champs are towards the heavy side.
There is a wide choice of sails and rigs to fit all. We have a good turn out at a mixture of opens and a very good social side at the events too. Its not a turn up sail and go home class, we like to have a pint or two and you will always get help and advice if required.
Boat prices run from very cheap to whatever you like. I can say its a cheaper class than the Solos.
You will be told by many that the British Moth is a great boat for light winds but it is much more than that. To me it becomes exciting much earlier than other classes as the wind pics up.
It is like anything else you get what you pay for but you will get more for your Euro, yen, Dollar or even pound I guess.
When will you be in England?
New Boy

[MothHombre]

Hi Clive,

There is a really wide range of weights within the class and indeed in the top 10 at the nationals this year - which really shows that the British Moth can be set up to suit different weights and still be competitive.

As others have said - there are plenty of people willing to help you get started. Lets us know if you want to know any more.

Chris

[clive1]

Hi all,

Thanks for the reply, I guess it would be good to know which sort of boat to look for, would I need an 850 plus sail number to be competitive? How old a boat is 850?

I'd initially like to join the BMBA I suppose so i can get the news letters and keep up with what's selling for what etc

Main problem is I don't have a cheque book!

Clive

[casablanca]

Hi Clive,

I own BM 850, she's about 7 years old. Older boats can be really competetive, check out the result from the last few years. Also there are some old boat numbers that have been refurbed to a high standard & are down to weight etc.

I see you are also interested in Lightning 368s.

[clive1]

Hi,

Yes indeed I posted a similar thread on the lightning 368 forum, i'm a singlehander sailor so the lightning, BM, Supernova etc fit the bill. I'll probably try to borrow my dads solo on the odd occasion too.

i'm thinking 10 years old+ is fine my current boat (A spiral) is 22 years old and keeps up ok with newer boats

do most boats have a carbon mast these days or is it a bit of a mixture?

[robwilder]

regarding carbon mast, the fleet is split, at the nationals the top 10 boats 50% had carbon 50% used alloy.. I won the nationals with a race to spare using a Superspars Alloy rig.
Though I do think they are better in the bigger breeze as you have less weight up front.
As with all classes, if your boat is down to weight, your hull is fair and your foils are fair, your control lines work and most importantly go point in the correct direction you will do well..

Rob

[clive1]

Hi rob,

Thanks for that, I think I'd are enough mistakes to negate the need for a carbon mast to be honest, don't know if you remember me we raced a bit back in 2007 or 2008 in the solos. I had the yellow boon boat with the pink sail numbers - couldn't miss it!

Clive

[robwilder]

Hi Clive
I do remember you from the Solos..
Not planning on returning to them?
I'm not sailing the moth this season but no doubt will be back in one sometime soon.
Sailing my National 18 this season ..
Cheers
Rob

[clive1]

Hi Rob,

My dad is the Solo class Treasurer so I'll have a Solo to borrow for the Nationals, Inlands etc but not able to spend the money needed to get a front of fleet boat, and feel like a new challenge as well

good luck with the 18 this season

Clive